PNP willing to coordinate with creator of website used by extremists

PNP chief Gen. Oscar Albayalde. INQUIRER file photo

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine National Police (PNP) said it is willing to coordinate with the creator of a website being run in the Philippines that is allegedly being used as a platform for violent extremism.

“I don’t know kung sino may-ari ng website na ‘yun if ever na may gusto maki-cooperate, okay lang, maganda ‘yun. Ma-establish natin kung ano talaga purpose nung website na yun,” PNP Gen. Oscar Albayalde told reporters when asked for his reaction on “8chan” original creator Christian Frederick Brennan’s willingness to talk to the PNP about the website.

In a news wires report, Brennan, who lives in the Philippines, said he will cooperate with the PNP about the website’s information if the law enforcement agency wants to speak with him.

“If the PNP wants to talk to me, no problem at all. I will tell them anything I know,” Brennan said.

READ: Website used by white supremacist mass shooters is run from PH

Just before the Saturday mass shooting at the Walmart store in El Paso, Texas that left 20 people dead, a message from a person who was later identified as the gunman was displayed on 8chan.

READ: 20 dead in El Paso shopping complex shooting, says Texas governor

International news said the 8chan website is being operated by Army veteran Jim Watkins and his son Ronald in the Philippines.

Albayalde previously said he ordered the PNP’s Anti-Cybercrime Group to verify reports about 8chan. /jpv

READ: PNP to probe alleged PH source of website used by extremists